Archive for the ‘Groove Inlay’ Category

Why Display this Banner?

It’s sometimes hard to break the ice with customers that walk into your store. That’s the reason we created the SMITH “Perfect Prep” Banner to serve as a conversation starter. When a customer walks into your business and notices the SMITH banner, amazing things happen that can lead to new business opportunities!

Let’s break the banner down to 5 easy conversation starters:

#1 – Perfect Prep in 4 steps

Many users of scarifiers, shavers, grinders, planers, or line removers use their equipment just to remove what’s in its path without taking the proper care to correctly prepare the underlying surface.

By starting the conversation with, “we can help you get the Perfect Prep in 4 steps for your concrete flooring or pavement surfaces.” Then reveal how the SMITHing process gets the right surface profile for safer and sustainable surfaces. You can be certain to have a lively exchange with your customer.

#2 – SMITH Lineup

When customers see the complete SMITH equipment lineup in your stock, they’ll be impressed! Of course, if you don’t have all machines on hand, the SMITH banner and website will bring out their inquiring minds.

You may hear a flooring contractor say “I bet this drum-style SMITH with shavers will give us the perfect prep for concrete”. A pavement striper may remark, “the rotary-style SMITH with erasers will meet my removal needs on pavements.” There will be no end to the conversation once you engage your customer on prep.

#3 – The Profile Chart

The profile chart is the change agent to new opportunities. Getting the right surface profile is is an important value-added service and critical “first step” when installing any new marking, coating, repair material, or overlay. But not everyone knows how to get the right profile, so you this banner to guide them through the process.

Point to the 10 profiles on the banner then invite your customer to visit online the selection guide, prep equipment, cutter tools, and finally the 4-step surface-prep process. When these steps are shared, good things happen.

Starting with a contract change order to include a specified surface-profile number so the work can be performed then paid for to everyone’s satisfaction. And when the prep work is completed, everyone benefits with the installed materials lasting longer for safer, sustainable surfaces.

#4- SMITH Cutters

Notice the array of cutters in the center of the banner? These are just a few of the essential prep tools that agencies and contractors will specify and purchase.

Now it’s your turn to ask, “what drum or rotary style machine do you own?” Followed by, “let me show you the ultra-premium-life cutters, shafts and drums that will help you remove faster leaving the perfect prep finish.” Take them to the SMITH website to show the supplies they need prior to starting their next job.

#5- Surface-Prep Challenges

One of the reasons a customer walks into your store is because they believe you have what they need. Specifically they have a prep challenge and are looking to you for a solution!

On the bottom of the banner lists the 20 common surface-prep challenges that can be accomplish with a SMITH. Identify their challenge and discuss how the solution can be as easy as the right rotary or drum-style SMITH machine, cutter tool and SMITHing process. Your customer will judge for themselves how an investment in a SMITH will help them meet the challenge on-time and on-budget!

If you would like to get your conversation started with your own SMITH banner, contact your SMITH Representative for details today!

Surface Preparation Inspection Tests for Concrete and Pavements

To confirm the profiled surface is properly prepared, the inspector conducts the following field tests: Key Scrape, Tape Pull, Surface Profile, and Cut Depth. These tests are performed before, during, and after the surface is prepared, prior to the new coating or overlay application, with provisions provided under specifications and acceptable engineering practices.

Key Scrape Test: This test determines the surface integrity prior to starting any surface profiling or preparation work. With the serrated side of a key, lightly scrape the surface. If the key dislodges aggregate or some of the surface, it would receive a failing “F” grade. A passing “P” grade indicates the surface is structurally sound.

Should the key test fail after the surface-profiling work, the inspector shall give immediate notice for the contractor to remedy at contractor’s expense prior to receiving acceptance notice. The contractor shall not be held responsible for the repair of any pre-existing failed surface conditions under or adjoining the coating or repair material. If discovered, the contractor shall notify the engineer of the defect to take corrective action as specified under the contract plans.

Tape Pull Test: This test is used to determine surface cleanliness prior to the coating application. Cut a 10” length of duct tape and hand tamp the adhesive side to the prepared area. Quickly peel the tape off the surface and reposition the tape with the adhesive side up. Measure the captured dirt/debris and record the results. If dirt covers more than 1”, representing 10% of the overall coverage area, the surface requires additional cleaning. Continue cleaning until the inspector gives a passing “P” grade.

Surface Profile Comparison: Confirm that the desired profile (SP#1-10) of the surface has been achieved by visually inspecting and comparing the prepared surface and outlying areas to the profiles depicted by replica profile pads, replica putty, replica tape, or SP photos. Record all findings in a journal. Should the profiles not meet the specified range, the inspector shall give immediate notice for the contractor to remedy at contractor’s expense.

Cut Depth Test for Surface Shaving or Grooving: Measure the slot cut depths using depth plates or a dial depth gauge. Take several measurements to obtain an average to accurately measure the depth of the slot. Should the slot dimensions and surface conditions not be met, the inspector shall give immediate notice for the contractor to remedy at contractor’s expense.

Note:

Prep-before-coating specifications should be intentionally separate from the materials application specification portion of the project to assure all parties (contractor, engineer, and inspector) have clear guidelines and expectations on what is and is not acceptable surface conditions for the new application. The specifications should describe the prep process controls to achieve the correct SP roughness, surface soundness and cleanliness to assure the successful bond between the binder and the surface.

The details of the location of the prepared surface work shall be designated on the plan drawings, or as required by the engineer. The contractor and engineer should evaluate the surfaces prior to commencing work so that all parties can acknowledge and record existing concrete and/or joint conditions. The contractor shall schedule and coordinate the surface-prep work with the engineer prior to the start of any coating, marking, repair, or overlay work.

Definitions:

Surface Profile (SP) is the measure of the average distance from the peaks of the surface to the valleys as seen through a cross-sectional view of the hard surface.

The dimension is defined pictorially and through physical samples in the SP Profile Chart as is expressed by a Surface Profile Number SP1 – 10 (SP1 is a nearly flat, smooth surface; SP10 is extremely rough with amplitude greater than 1⁄4”). Surface profiles can be accomplished by a variety of tools, equipment, and materials, and is dependent upon the type of surface to be prepared, plus the type of system and material thickness to be installed. All factors play an important role in the selection process.